Introduction
Intellectual Property Law at Aberdeen offers students a gateway for understanding the laws relevant to generating and commercialising innovation, creativity and brands and of their impact on society.
This programme is studied on campus.
Intellectual Property Law at Aberdeen provides a challenging and stimulating degree for engaging with a future that lies in innovation, that profits from effective brands and which builds on cultural heritage.
It is a constantly evolving field that explores the key issues of control and reward in innovation and society. It is concerned with areas such as literature and trademarks, brands, health and media and new information technologies such as 3D printing.
The programme offers an opportunity for students from the UK and overseas to explore a range of fascinating and multi-faceted legal and societal questions. Intellectual property law is a valuable asset to businesses and you will gain a deep understanding of its benefits and challenges within corporate and economic frameworks.
You will have the opportunity to learn about the power and challenges of intellectual property, including its limits in terms of innovation, creativity and development. In addition, the Law School also has other existing LLM courses that fit well within the programme, such as: World Trade Organisation: GATT, European Economic Law and International Commercial Arbitration.
This programme was designed with the assistance of intellectual property law experts as well as our internal staff at the University. With this combined input, you will gain unique insights into the subject and will advance your understanding of the factors that influence it. The programme has been carefully coordinated to align with the competencies required for today’s international job market.
The University of Aberdeen is known for attracting world-class teaching staff with international experience in their specialist subjects meaning you will have access to first rate teaching from globally respected thought leaders.
Key Programme Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- LLM
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- January or September
Study Options
- LLM 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September
-
- Degree Content
-
Degree Content
Compulsory Courses
LS501T or LS551T
- Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship (LS501T)
-
This compulsory course provides students from diverse legal and educational backgrounds with a common understanding of the core research, analytical, and writing skills which would be required to excel in LLM-Taught courses. It commences with a few lectures and progresses to working within smaller groups in a workshop environment and finally to the submission of an individual assignment. It also incorporates elements such as library workshops to provide students with hands-on experience with the resources available for course and dissertation work.
- Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship (LS551T)
-
This compulsory course provides students from diverse legal and educational backgrounds with a common understanding of the core research, analytical, and writing skills which would be required to excel in LLM-Taught courses. It commences with a few lectures and progresses to working within smaller groups in a workshop environment and finally to the submission of an individual assignment. It also incorporates elements such as library workshops to provide students with hands-on experience with the resources available for course and dissertation work.
- Master of Law Dissertation (LS5904) - 60 Credit Points
-
Between May and mid-August students prepare a 10,000 word dissertation on a topic of their choice related to their specialist LLM programme. Students are instructed through the delivery of a preparatory lecture, two supervisory meetings and a two hour dissertation planning workshop in a small group setting. Students are expected to spend considerable time on independent research throughout the course of the dissertation module, including; preparation of dissertation plan, amendment of plan in accordance with supervisory comments, preparation for the dissertation workshop, and, of course, in the final 10,000 word dissertation itself.
Optional Courses
Courses to the value of 120 credit points, at least 90 credit points from list below. Remaining credit points may be obtained from any Level 5 30 credit Law course (excluding LS501E and LS551K)
- International Intellectual Property: Frameworks and Challenges (LS502L) - 30 Credit Points
-
Students will explore the diverse elements of law which constitute international intellectual property law. We will consider the framework of international conventions, copyright and moral rights (with a particular focus on new developments and the digital age), patents, designs, the work of the World Health Organisation and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Throughout the challenge is to identify conflicts and synergies, and areas for future development, through regard to cases, scholarship, and the activities of policy makers and activists. Assessment is by an essay, an exam and an individual presentation.
- Copyright and Patents (LS502P) - 30 Credit Points
-
This course is a substantive and critical analysis of two key areas of intellectual property law, copyright and patents, with a UK and European focus, and their impact on innovation and creativity. This course complements other innovation law LLM courses which focus on commercial, policy and sector matters.
- Cultural Property Issues: Law, Art, and Museums (LS55UU) - 30 Credit Points
-
Taught by museum and law academics, this course will examine cultural property issues such as treasure trove, looting and repatriation, forgery, sacred and street art, and the derogatory treatment of art. Objects from the University Museum and collections worldwide will be drawn on to illustrate aspects of the course. Museum practice and operational experience will also inform certain aspects. Students will be encouraged to explore and develop their own ideas. Facilitating this, the course will include a programme of case studies and/or issue papers to be presented by students for class discussion.
- Trade Marks and Brand Development (LS5584) - 30 Credit Points
-
This course tracks the ongoing interactions between trade mark and related laws on the one hand and the social and commercial practices of branding on the other. Through the use of cases and contemporary examples throughout, the course views trade mark and related laws within their historical, current, and developing social and commercial contexts. It offers a critical view of certain developments in the laws, their roles in and responses to the evolving practices of branding. It provides students with both an analytical and a practical view on the protection of trade mark and related rights.
- Commercialising Innovation and Law (LS5595) - 30 Credit Points
-
Students will explore the diversity of laws and practices relevant to commercialising innovation. We will consider patents, trade secrets, copyright and database rights, new business models, competition and (focussing on natural resources), communications and activities in developing areas. Visiting speakers from practice and industry are regularly invited. In the first session, students develop an innovative idea, as a base for discussion in each session. Seminars involve individual and group work, and the preparation of posters. Assessment is by essay and exam.
- LLM 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January or September
-
- Semester 1
-
Semester 1
Compulsory Courses
- Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship (LS501T)
-
This compulsory course provides students from diverse legal and educational backgrounds with a common understanding of the core research, analytical, and writing skills which would be required to excel in LLM-Taught courses. It commences with a few lectures and progresses to working within smaller groups in a workshop environment and finally to the submission of an individual assignment. It also incorporates elements such as library workshops to provide students with hands-on experience with the resources available for course and dissertation work.
- Critical Legal Thinking and Scholarship (LS551T)
-
This compulsory course provides students from diverse legal and educational backgrounds with a common understanding of the core research, analytical, and writing skills which would be required to excel in LLM-Taught courses. It commences with a few lectures and progresses to working within smaller groups in a workshop environment and finally to the submission of an individual assignment. It also incorporates elements such as library workshops to provide students with hands-on experience with the resources available for course and dissertation work.
- Master of Law Dissertation (LS5904) - 60 Credit Points
-
Between May and mid-August students prepare a 10,000 word dissertation on a topic of their choice related to their specialist LLM programme. Students are instructed through the delivery of a preparatory lecture, two supervisory meetings and a two hour dissertation planning workshop in a small group setting. Students are expected to spend considerable time on independent research throughout the course of the dissertation module, including; preparation of dissertation plan, amendment of plan in accordance with supervisory comments, preparation for the dissertation workshop, and, of course, in the final 10,000 word dissertation itself.
Optional Courses
Courses to the value of 120 credit points. 90 credit points must be obtained from the courses listed below. Remaining credit points from any Level 5 30 credit Law courses (excluding LS501E and LS551K):
- International Intellectual Property: Frameworks and Challenges (LS502L) - 30 Credit Points
-
Students will explore the diverse elements of law which constitute international intellectual property law. We will consider the framework of international conventions, copyright and moral rights (with a particular focus on new developments and the digital age), patents, designs, the work of the World Health Organisation and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Throughout the challenge is to identify conflicts and synergies, and areas for future development, through regard to cases, scholarship, and the activities of policy makers and activists. Assessment is by an essay, an exam and an individual presentation.
- Cultural Property Issues: Law, Art, and Museums (LS55UU) - 30 Credit Points
-
Taught by museum and law academics, this course will examine cultural property issues such as treasure trove, looting and repatriation, forgery, sacred and street art, and the derogatory treatment of art. Objects from the University Museum and collections worldwide will be drawn on to illustrate aspects of the course. Museum practice and operational experience will also inform certain aspects. Students will be encouraged to explore and develop their own ideas. Facilitating this, the course will include a programme of case studies and/or issue papers to be presented by students for class discussion.
- Copyright and Patents (LS502P) - 30 Credit Points
-
This course is a substantive and critical analysis of two key areas of intellectual property law, copyright and patents, with a UK and European focus, and their impact on innovation and creativity. This course complements other innovation law LLM courses which focus on commercial, policy and sector matters.
- Trade Marks and Brand Development (LS5584) - 30 Credit Points
-
This course tracks the ongoing interactions between trade mark and related laws on the one hand and the social and commercial practices of branding on the other. Through the use of cases and contemporary examples throughout, the course views trade mark and related laws within their historical, current, and developing social and commercial contexts. It offers a critical view of certain developments in the laws, their roles in and responses to the evolving practices of branding. It provides students with both an analytical and a practical view on the protection of trade mark and related rights.
- Commercialising Innovation and Law (LS5595) - 30 Credit Points
-
Students will explore the diversity of laws and practices relevant to commercialising innovation. We will consider patents, trade secrets, copyright and database rights, new business models, competition and (focussing on natural resources), communications and activities in developing areas. Visiting speakers from practice and industry are regularly invited. In the first session, students develop an innovative idea, as a base for discussion in each session. Seminars involve individual and group work, and the preparation of posters. Assessment is by essay and exam.
Course Availability
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
How You'll Study
At the University of Aberdeen, you will benefit from a very personal approach to teaching. At the Law School, class sizes are kept small, so that you will have access to teaching staff whenever you need. The University adopts a range of teaching methods to ensure that you learn in a way that suits your learning style. Even when studying independently, you will benefit from having regular contact with your course coordinator and other members of the teaching staff.
Learning Methods
- Lectures
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
By course work, by written examination, or by a combination of these, as prescribed for each course. The degree of LLM shall not be awarded to a candidate who fails to achieve a CGS grade of D3 or above in the specified dissertation course, irrespective of their performance in other courses: such candidates may, at the discretion of the Examiners, be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate.
Why Study Intellectual Property Law?
Ever since the University’s opening in 1495, the Law School has played a pivotal role in Aberdeen’s history - and there’s no substitute for experience. Our Intellectual Property Law programme is one of the most recent additions to our law school’s roster of subjects.
It is one of the most valuable assets in business and at Aberdeen you will have the opportunity to explore its power and learn about its challenges from activists and competitors. You will learn how intellectual property can aid and limit innovation, creativity and development, within a range of corporate and economic frameworks.
- Our Law School is ranked 10th in the UK, out of more than 90 law schools (The Complete University Guide 2018).
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In an LLM exit survey we carried out in 2016, 98% of students felt that their LLM had added value to their career prospects and 97% would recommend their course to others.
- There are over 40 nationalities within the School of Law postgraduate community, so you will benefit from the experiences of international students from all over the world.
Students choose to study Law at Aberdeen because of our reputation for academic excellence and unrivalled student experience. At Aberdeen, you will:
- Gain a degree in a challenging and stimulating subject that will enable you to engage with a future that lies in innovation.
- Develop valuable transferable skills, gain advanced knowledge and build networks upon which to base your future career.
- Study at Aberdeen’s Law School, which will provide you with rich and varied opportunities for postgraduate learning and research.
- Benefit from learning about intellectual property laws overseas as well as in the UK as our programme attracts students from all over the world.
- Benefit from studying in small class sizes and have the opportunity to learn in a friendly community where you will have access to teaching staff whenever you need.
The University also has a leading Law careers service that organises events focused on providing you with the additional skills needed to make the most of your career potential.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
Normally, a 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent) in Law will be required to be accepted onto this programme. Relevant practical experience in a related field will also be beneficial.
English Language Requirements
All students entering the University must provide evidence that they can use English well enough to study effectively at the University of Aberdeen.
Details of our English language entry requirements can be found on our English Language Requirements webpages. This programme requires that you meet the College of Arts and Social Sciences Postgraduate Standard level of English proficiency.
If you have not achieved the required scores, the University of Aberdeen offers pre-sessional English courses. Further details are available on our Language Centre website.
Nationals of some English-speaking countries or those who hold degrees from some English-speaking countries may be exempted from this requirement. Details of countries recognised as English-speaking can be found on our English Language Requirements webpages.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme.
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
- Reference
- a reference letter from your university discussing your academic ability. If you have been out of education for a long time you may wish to use your current or most recent employer, or another professional person
International Applicants
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
- LLM 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September
-
Fee Information
Fee information Fee category Cost Home / EU / RUK Students £6,300 Tuition Fees for 2018/19 Academic Year International Students £16,900 Tuition Fees for 2018/19 Academic Year - LLM 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time January or September
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Fee Information
Fee information Fee category Cost Home / EU / RUK Students £6,000 Tuition Fee for 2017/18 Academic Year International Students £16,100 Tuition Fee for 2017/18 Academic Year International Students £16,900 Tuition Fees for 2018/19 Academic Year Home / EU / RUK Students £6,300 Tuition Fees for 2018/19 Academic Year
International non-EU Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fees
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Our Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Postgraduate Open Day
Our next Open Day will be on
Find out MoreCareers
Studying Intellectual Property Law at Aberdeen will provide you with a solid grounding for pursuing a career in the legal industries. A degree in IPL from Aberdeen could lead you to a career in law, journalism and media, international policymaking, activism, or with multinational corporations.
Our Experts
- Dr. Abbe E. L. Brown, School of Law, Programme Proposer
- Dr Catherine Ng, School of Law
- Dr Patrick Masiyakurima, School of Law
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Local Intellectual Property is Now Global
Since the Berne Convention international students study this fascinating area of creative asset protection, entering its own revolution due to mass communication and the digital age.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
School of Law
University of Aberdeen
Taylor Building
Aberdeen
AB24 3UB